Chrysler's Grand design

The 2009 model Jeep Grand Cherokee is the quickest, most powerful Jeep yet.

A more economical mainstream petrol engine and a redesigned interior are highlights of the refreshed 2009 model Jeep Grand Cherokee that has just gone on sale in New Zealand, starting from $73,990.

The four-wheel-drive gets an improved 4.7-litre V8 engine that delivers 30 per cent increase in power, a 10 per cent increase in torque and 5 per cent improvement in fuel economy, due, says Jeep, to increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system.

"You really are getting more for less with the new Grand Cherokee V8 - it's all part of the enhanced ownership experienced that Jeep is developing," says David Smith, general manager of Chrysler New Zealand.

The high-torque 3-litre V6 diesel engine continues as before, as does the 6.1-litre Hemi V8 that powers the SRT8 high performance model.

Also new in the 2009 Grand Cherokee are premium amenities including the MyGIG multimedia entertainment system, reversing camera, and an entertainment and communication system. MyGIG enables Grand Cherokee owners to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored.

There's space reserved on the hard drive for about 1600 songs, and there is a voice-memo recorder feature.

Other standard features include rear park assist system, rain-sensing wipers, eight-way memory driver's seat and a Bluetooth cellphone system.

Improvements to the four-wheel-drive system will make the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee even more capable off-road. They include Hill Descent Control, for stable downhill progress off-road, Hill Start Assist, for smoother take-offs uphill, and Trailer Sway Control, for increased towing safety.

The refreshed Grand Cherokee's design on the outside includes a longer grille, more prominent circular headlights, lower foglights.

A new two-piece front fascia allows the entire lower piece to be removed for off-road work.

A proportionately longer hood and greater distance between the centre of the front axle and the base of the windshield emphasise the engine compartment and help to achieve a more powerful image. Interior upgrades include a two-tone instrument panel with brighter dials, softer surfaces, tilt and telescope steering column, revised cup holders, and improved armrests.

Driving all four wheels through Jeep's Quadra-Drive system is the choice of V6 diesel or V8 petrol engines mated to five-speed automatic transmissions. The 3-litre common rail turbo diesel (CRD) V6 unit delivers 160kW at 3800 rpm and 510Nm of torque between 1600 - 2800 rpm.

Jeep says the engine offers up to 30 per cent improvement in fuel economy and C02 exhaust emissions, and has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes.

The new 4.7-litre petrol V8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-litre Hemi), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system.

The result, says the carmaker, is a 30 per cent increase in power to 223kW at 5650 rpm, and a 10 per cent hike in torque, to 445Nm at 3950 rpm.

Fuel economy has improved by five per cent, says Jeep. The 6.1-litre Hemi V8 produces 313kW and 569Nm of torque and delivers a complete performance package, making the SRT8 the quickest, most powerful Jeep vehicle ever.